Use

This test is primarily used to monitor prostate cancer in patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy. It is designed to detect very low levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) that may indicate residual disease or recurrence. It is not recommended for initial prostate cancer screening; for that purpose, the Prostate Specific Antigen, Total test - in conjunction with a digital rectal exam - is preferred. Elevated PSA levels can also occur due to benign prostatic hyperplasia or inflammatory conditions of the prostate and are generally not elevated in healthy individuals or those with non-prostatic carcinoma.